Mandrake
Mandragora officinalis syn. M. officinarum, M. autumnalis
Family: Solanacea
TOXIC
Perennial. Native to southeastern Europe and the Mediterranean.
The ancients used Mandrake root to relieve pain and promote sleep, but
it was also known to cause strange delirium and madness. The leaves
are harmless and cooling when used as a poultice. Mandrake, to say
the least, is the object of many strange superstitions: “It groweth
beneath the gallows of murtherers.” Or: “To digge the root bringeth
sure deathe, as the shrieks emitting thenceforth can be herde by no man
and live. It is therefore recommended to tie a dogge to the root,
so that by struggling to free himself the plant may be dislodged without
human hurte.” Cultivation: Extra care. Large,
cold-stored seeds. Sow in the fall to germinate in the fall or in
the spring, or place in moist medium in refrigerator for three weeks before
sowing in pots or directly in the garden. The seedlings are extremely
sensitive to transplant, so sowing the seed in a large pot or direct-seeding
is recommended. Plant prefers alkaline pH, deep, sandy soils and
partial to full shade. Flowers green-white to 16 inches, giving way
to yellow, apple-like fruits.
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